Although population growth is observed throughout Denmark, Danish rural areas often experience negative development. It is the globalization and urbanization tendencies, that is due to the greatest concentration of population in and around the big city centers.
In this project, a case study of four selected province-municipalities is being made, where the settlement is stimulated by proximity to a large city: Aalborg, Frederikshavn, Randers and Hjørring Municipality. All four municipalities are referred to, as a major provincial town with a meaningful relationship and role in rural development. Although increasing populations are observed in those municipalities, in their rural areas, is observed a decline in population development. The municipality's planning and development initiatives in the villages, municipalities’ planning-theory-based approaches, and the tools used to create a positive rural development are examined.
The study shows that the best development is achieved by gathering the development around the big cities, while rural development is based on the small projects and efforts, with priorities based on an overall strategy. There are great similarities between the examined municipalities, and their approach to rural development work.
Due to digitization and globalization, development can take place independently of the big city centers, it is the local commitment, knowledge and competencies that are crucial for rural development. Therefore, it is important, that the local community can cooperate with the authorities that there is a well-organized network of associations and business and that one has a common purpose.